Landscaping how-to · updated 29 August 2026

How to order a gravel driveway

A gravel drive is area × compacted depth × density, then a supplier ton. Construclytic does not pretend every quarry sells the same tons per yard. Fabric and edging stay off this tonnage line.

Compacted depth is the number that matters

Loose dump depth is taller than compacted depth. Enter the compacted section you want after the roller, or you will short the driveway on the last load.

Flares at the road are extra rectangles. A tapering width is two shapes, not one average.

Density is a quarry fact

Road base, crushed concrete and decorative gravel do not weigh the same. Replace the default density with the ticket in your hand. GCC quarries sell tonnes and cubic metres — switch units rather than converting a US ton after the fact.

Do it in order

  1. Measure length and the real width, including flares as extra area.
  2. Enter compacted depth and the density for the selected stone.
  3. Round to the quarry’s delivery increment, then add fabric and edging as extras.

Worked example — 50 ft × 12 ft, 4 in compacted

Area 600 ft². Depth 4 in is 200 ft³. At a planning 1.4 tons/yd³ the order is a quarry-ton figure you still replace with the local ticket. A leftover tenth of a load is cheaper than a short driveway.

Planning boundary

This is a tonnage method. It is not a pavement section, a compaction spec or a live quarry quote.

Is a ton a cubic yard?

No. Tons are weight. Yards are volume. Density is the bridge.

Do I include the apron?

Yes, as its own rectangle if the width changes.

Is this a pavement design?

No. Section, fabric and drainage still sit with the responsible professional.